7 President s Report CO.AS.IT. It will soon be the end of my second year as President of CO.AS.IT. On reflecting back to the evening when the Board elected me as their President, I recall my apprehension as I contemplated the task ahead. I was inheriting responsibility for an agency which from 1979 has been under the presidency of three judges of the Supreme Court of Victoria, and which is the point of reference for welfare and education services to the Italian Community. In this context, I also acknowledge the contribution of our first president, Mrs. Elda Vaccari. My concerns were soon allayed as I have been given unconditional support by my fellow Board Members and our CEO Giancarlo Martini-Piovano, and the skills, loyalty and dedication of CO.AS.IT's staff, who have been for many years at the forefront, gave me the confidence and certainty that this organisation is professional, resourceful, effective, and importantly, accountable. I believe that Co.As.It's strength and growth over the years can be attributed to the Board members' genuine, non-vested interest in the organization and its services, and the resolute commitment of the CEO and the staff to meeting the objectives of CO.AS.IT. As an organization with a responsibility to provide appropriate services to its community and to meet the changing needs in the welfare and education fields, one of our first priorities has been to ensure financial viability and appropriate long-term strategies to sustain our services well into the future. Meeting this priority has allowed us to implement many culturally appropriate new programs over the years, and I am pleased to announce that an Italian Aged Forum has been established, comprising representatives of Assisi Homes, San Carlo Homes, ISI, ICSF and CO.AS.IT, who have each signed a Memorandum of Understanding committing to collective objectives, as a group working together, to provide strategies to optimise the quality of life of ageing first generation Italians in Victoria. The structure of the Group, with expertise in the provision of aged services, will also be in a position to provide the necessary strength to represent the Italian Community in submissions to government and non-government organisations for funding of major projects to meet the needs of our elderly. CO.AS.IT, like any successful organisation, undertakes regular reviews of its programs and structure, including components linked to Government funding and priorities. Often such reviews clearly point to a necessity for decisive actions to be taken in the interests of the organisation and the community it serves. This year it was decided to implement and activate a strategic plan initially conceived in 2010 to amalgamate the cultural and education programs under one umbrella this resulted in the formation of the Language, Culture & Heritage department, encompassing Italian language classes, the language assistants programs, the Resource Centre, the Italian Historical Society and the Museo Italiano. It is pleasing that all CO.AS.IT Board Members have been active, united and supportive in formulating and facilitating decisions and actions for improved long-term organisational performance. My report is followed by our staffs' reports which you will see are a reflection of our decision to clearly identify and separate the two major activities of CO.AS.IT: welfare and education. Sadly, Mrs Claudia Santilli, one of the early Presidents of the CO.AS.IT Ladies Committee, passed away in May this year. I would like to acknowledge the contribution of Mrs Santilli, and I am sure that the Ladies Committee will miss her. My thanks go to the State and Federal Governments for their trust in our organization Rhonda Barro Annual Report 2012 page 07 Co.As.It.

8 as a provider of services, and to the Italian Government, which despite its difficulties, is still able to provide some funding for the promotion of the Italian language and culture. Thanks also to our Auditors, in particular Sally Ding, for her professionalism, attention to detail and the diligence displayed on many occasions. I wish to emphasize the pivotal role of the members of the Board and in particular the Management Subcommittee who, throughout this year have been extraordinarily generous with their time, their invaluable advice and their unity on decisions taken in the interests of enhancing CO.AS.IT's services. Your gift of time and talent as volunteer Board Members, with no personal gain, makes possible many important benefits to our Italian Community. It has been rewarding and a pleasure to work with you all, and I look forward to continuing our resolve to do our best to advance the profile of the Italian Community and to persistently improve CO.AS.IT's services. I express my personal and special gratitude to Giancarlo Martini-Piovano for his guidance and support during a year that has been particularly demanding and most challenging it is his tenaciousness, motivation and passion for CO.AS.IT that has propelled it to a highly respected organisation in the Italian and wider Victorian Community. I congratulate and thank CO.AS.IT's staff for their continued hard work, enthusiasm and professionalism for CO.AS.IT and its activities, and particularly for their commitment to our Community. This opportunity is also taken to thank you, our Members, for supporting CO.AS.IT and to wish you and your families "Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo". Rhonda Barro November 2012 Annual Report 2012 page 08 Co.As.It.

13 Case Management Programs CACP LINKAGES EACH DISABILITY Throughout the past year, the Case Management programs have continued to provide home based support services for the most frail, aged and disabled members of the Italian community including people with dementia. In brief, these programs target the following clients in the Italian community: CACPs & Linkages packages target those individuals who require a coordinated package of care services and who have been assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) as eligible for at least low level residential care. EACH packages are specifically targeted towards people with complex high care needs and who are assessed by ACAS as eligible for high level care and wish to remain in the community. Disability packages are targeted to people with a disability who live in the community and are being cared for by an ageing family member. Support services are available to eligible older Italians in the Melbourne metropolitan region and also those living in Barwon and Hume regions. The Disability program is only available in the North West metropolitan region. Case Management programs place emphasis on care planning and care coordination to ensure continuity of care for the client in a culturally sensitive manner. Most clients receiving packages have complex and multiple care needs and require daily support. Depending on their assessed needs, clients receive assistance with tasks of daily living including personal care, home care, shopping and meal preparation. If required, specialist services such as nursing or allied health care are also provided to clients with high care needs. Many o our clients' carers require intensive support to be able to continue assisting their loved one and case manager's role includes provision of information, counseling and support to family carers. Within the diverse range of Care Packages, we have the flexibility to support the needs and individual preferences of our clients and family carers. Underpinning all package types are the principles of client empowerment, independence and choice. This facilitates positive client outcomes through a person centred approach to service delivery. Inherent with this framework is our application of the Active Service Model which all government funded agencies are required to implement. This year we were required to undertake an external audit of the Quality Management System in relation to the Community Care we provide to the Italian community including the Disability Case Management program. We are very pleased to report that not only did we achieve Certification, the written report from the auditing team praised CO.AS.IT on the high quality of the work we do and the difference we make in our client's lives. In all, very complimentary feedback was received. Whenever possible all staff members are encouraged to attend relevant training opportunities to assist them in their professional development and increase their capacity to provide the best possible case management support to our clients. This past year the Aged & Disability Services staff attended a range of Community Development activities. As much as practicable, team members participated in Aged Care committees, professional networks and consultative forums. This included regular liaison meetings with Government department project officers. Finally, the quality of the work we do is evidenced by the positive feedback we receive from many of our clients and their family members. This is very encouraging for staff and reaffirms the reason why we work in this field. That is, to provide older members of the Italian community with culturally and linguistically appropriate support services, allowing them to remain living at home for as long as possible. CO.AS.IT. Annual Report 2012 page 13 Co.As.It.

14 National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) The National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) is part of the Australian Governments strategy to achieve an enhanced quality of life for older people, people with moderate to severe disabilities and their carers. Over the past twelve months the program has continued to contribute to the support and maintenance of caring relationships between carers and care recipients by facilitating access to information, respite care and other support appropriate to both the carer's and the care recipient's needs and circumstances. The National Respite for Carers Program is a community care service aimed to help Frail Aged people and People with a Disability live independently in their own home and enjoy quality of life for as long as possible, and to support carers in their caring role. Services are tailored to best meet individual client needs and are delivered in a persons home or in their local community. Within the Italian community there is often a stigma attached to a family member or carer requiring assistance with caring for their loved ones. CO.AS.IT's National Respite for Carers Program., through its cultural sensitivity and understanding aims to provide a comprehensive and caring service to the Italian community. Our In-Home Respite provides short term and time limited breaks for families and carers of the frail aged and we support carers by offering a choice of respite options. Carers are able to choose from: Flexible In-Home Respite Out of Hours Respite Centre Based Respite (either at Rosanna or Carlton premises) according to what suits and services the best needs of the carer and care recipient. CO.AS.IT, through the National Respite for Carers Program has continued to support over 180 families throughout the metropolitan area in the past year. We are funded to provide In-Home (NRCP) in the North, West and Eastern regions and Centre-Based (NRCP) through the Working Carers funding in the Southern Region. Whilst our program is at its limits in all regions, the extensive waitlists have been managed to provide a faster track, to provide respite, and therefore enabling our waitlists to be managed more efficiently. Planned Activity Groups (Adult Day Centre Programs) Carlton The Carlton Adult Day Centre (or PAG) which now operates four days a week Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday is continuing to provide support and respite for family members who are currently employed or wish to return to work. The clients that attend the centre feel that it is a very warm and friendly place to be and staff and volunteers contribute in making this environment pleasant for them and they look forward to their day to attend. The centre continues to provide many various activities that stimulate the clients and help them to feel useful. These include craft activities and once a month we incorporated making homemade pasta. These types of activities allow the clients to use their fine motor skills and their minds are kept active. During the year we had various special guest speakers such as a RDNS nurse explaining Annual Report 2012 page 14 Co.As.It.

15 to the clients about Diabetes. Clients were very impressed and gained a deeper understanding of this condition. We have had many special guests attending the centre such as Dome Bulfaro, a poet and artist from Italy. These special guests are always welcomed and they enrich the experience for our elderly. It helps them to bring the outside world and overseas world into their lives and also memories of their grandchildren. The midday meal is very important time of the day which consists of Italian traditional cuisine. We are also pleased to report that in addition to the Carlton centre, the Italian Services Institute Inc has assisted CO.AS.IT in the establishment of another PAG Centre in the north west by funding a Centre in Moreland on a Thursday at the Licodia Eubea Community Club. This site started in February of this year and is operating with great success and the management of the Club is very co-operative in relation to the specific needs of the clients that attend. Clients within the Moreland and Northern Regions that are frail and socially isolated are eligible to attend. The Centres have become a network of friends and the clients look forward at having a day out, socializing and spending time with new friends and old acquaintances. We owe the success of the program to the input and commitment of not only our staff but also our small group of volunteers and the transport providers. These people make the clients feel independent and able to participate in a culturally appropriate social life within their wider community. Rosanna The CO.AS.IT Planned Activity Group (or PAG program), held 6 days per week at Rosanna, continues to provide opportunities for socialization, respite and support for Italian speaking frail, older people including those with dementia, people with disabilities and their carers within a centre based environment. As with all our PAG programs, the service is delivered within an Italian-specific context and in a manner that sensitively acknowledges individual needs and interests. The PAG program aims to support clients to maintain their independence and connection with the community. The group participants are invited to enjoy a range of activities that are coordinated by the centre staff. Over the past year the activities enjoyed by clients included:- Outings to other venues to celebrate special occasions, for example Mother's & Father's Day, Easter and Christmas Health promotion activities e.g. RDNS presentations about diabetes, podiatry and nutrition Cooking Bingo (tombola) Music and sing along sessions Physical activities i.e. dancing and gentle exercise sessions Celebrating Mass Craft activities including knitting, making cards and other knick knacks. All activities aim to maintain client independence and are underpinned by the principles of Active Living and Positive Ageing. For the older person who may feel increasingly isolated, the Rosanna PAG program is a way of remaining not only connected to society, but a place where they can feel valued and understood, supported by qualified and caring Italian speaking staff. The PAG program also offers family members much needed respite from their caring role. Our clients find companionship, a pleasant way to pass the time and have the opportunity to learn about health and other issues. CO.AS.IT. Annual Report 2012 page 15 Co.As.It.

16 The midday meal is still the most important time of the day as it stimulates communication and interaction between clients. It is a freshly cooked hot, Italian meal prepared daily by the onsite cook. The lunch session encourages communication and interaction between clients. We must acknowledge the success of our program to the dedicated staff and volunteers. We are especially grateful to the volunteers, who are so much a part of the team, helping to provide a family environment for clients attending the Centre. The Rosanna group really provides a quality service to meet the social and recreational needs of elderly aged Italians in a way that is culturally appropriate. Satellite Centres Kensington Whitehorse - Knox Over the past year, the satellite PAG programs have continued to operate 1 day per week at each of the following venues: Kensington Kensington Neighborhood House Whitehorse The Whitehorse Italian Community Centre Knox The Knox Italian Community Club These centres offer frail, older Italians, including those with dementia and those who are unable to participate at Italian Seniors groups, the opportunity to socialize with other older Italians and feel connected to the community. During their time at the centre, clients participate in a range of culturally appropriate activities which focus on an individual's interests and abilities. Trained, Italian speaking staff are on hand to support clients as required with their physical care needs. All of our groups provide social support in a relaxed environment where our clients enjoy the company of others, share experiences and enjoy the benefits of activities which help them maintain their independence. The success of these three centres is largely due to the collaborative partnerships between CO.AS.IT and the venue proprietors. We wish to acknowledge their support in the provision of a PAG program in each of the localities. Visitation Program and Friendly Visiting Program & Community Visitors Scheme For many years now the CO.AS.IT Visitation Program has continued to brighten the lives of isolated older Italians through our volunteer visitors. The volunteers bring friendship, kindness and companionship into the lives of our clients both in the community and Aged Care Facilities. Over the past year we have given social support assistance to over 190 clients in their own homes and more than 95 clients in Aged Care Facilities. In total, we have 220 volunteers visiting over 290 clients throughout Melbourne and regional Shepparton. Our team of over 220 volunteers receives regular training and the volunteers are supervised and monitored by Area Coordinators. The training sessions incorporate a peer support component as well as time together with the Coordinator. This is an opportunity to reaffirm the volunteer's work; to give thanks and encourage them to continue the valuable work they are doing for the Italian community. It is very pleasing to note that our volunteers often go over and above what is required of them. The commitment expected from volunteers is one hour per week for a friendly visit. We are delighted that often, so many of the volunteers elect to go over and above Annual Report 2012 page 16 Co.As.It.

17 this commitment. The volunteers realise how isolated and lonely the clients are, particularly those in nursing homes, as language factors and declining health impede an older person's capacity to communicate. The Area Coordinators contact volunteers on a regular basis to support them in their roles and to address any client related issues or concerns that may arise. Most of our volunteers are busy people, many still working in professions, or raising families but they still make time to light up the life of someone in need. They give the gifts of kindness and humanity to their fellow man. We wish to express our thanks to the Department of Health & Ageing and Department of Health and Human Services for giving us the resources to administer this program which promotes and celebrates the spirit of human kindness and compassion. CO.AS.IT. Access and Support In June 2011 the Victorian Minister for Ageing approved a 3 year extension of the Supported Access Pilot Project to transition to the new Access and Support Program. The Program is designed to provide direct client support to HACC eligible people with complex care needs, to improve access to services and outcomes for clients. Over the last twelve months, the Program has continued to assist HACC eligible clients of Italian background residing in the inner Northern and Western metropolitan areas of Melbourne. The Program focuses on the provision of short-term individual support to clients requiring assistance in understanding, navigating and accessing a range of HACC services so that they can remain home. The Access and Support worker has continued to assist clients, particularly those who are not proficient in English and who require extra support at key phases of the care continuum especially during assessment, care planning and service delivery processes. In addition, the Program has continued to provide the worker with increased capacity and flexibility to adopt varied service responses according to individual client needs. Assistance can therefore be provided over the phone, through office based interviews and home visits where necessary. Community Partners Project (CPP) CO.AS.IT's CPP consultant has been involved in conducting various activities and information sessions aimed at improving the quality of life of older Italians. Some of the information sessions focused on how to access residential and community care services, care giving related issues and carer services, respite services, becoming a volunteer in residential aged care facilities, dementia and memory loss, safe and wise use of medicines, asthma identification and management, incontinence (bowel and bladder control problems), bowel cancer, legal matters and power of attorney, and crime prevention and older people. Over the last twelve months, the CPP consultant also conducted cultural briefings to staff working in residential aged care facilities and in community settings so as to enhance service improvement through the implementation of culturally sensitive practices for Italian residents and clients. Annual Report 2012 page 17 Co.As.It.

18 There have also been many joint activities with other CPP funded projects as well as collaboration with generic agencies, organisations and hospitals. Other activities have included providing advice to research institutions regarding research pertinent to the Italian older community, providing advice to generic agencies on culturally and linguistically appropriate translations, and working with presidents of the Italian senior citizens' clubs to plan and deliver health information for their members. Italian Senior Citizens Clubs of Victoria The number of elderly Italians in Victoria is increasing from year to year, therefore the recreational and social service provided by the Italian Senior Citizens Clubs, members of the relevant association that groups them together under CO.AS.IT's umbrella, plays a particularly important role within the community. There are over 80 groups belonging to the Association of Italian Senior Citizens Clubs and each of them has maintained a constant associative life throughout the fiscal year. Virtually every Club has duly performed the following activities: Weekly meetings including lunch or snack only Card games and bingo at the above weekly meetings One social lunch (or dinner) at least once a month with music and dancing Group excursions at least once during the year. Some clubs have had even 3 or 4 outings Participation of Presidents (particularly those ones from the metropolitan area) at bi-monthly meetings organized by CO.AS.IT Organization of Annual General Meetings For many members these activities are the only exposure to true "Italian-style" socialization they can enjoy and that's why being part of these Clubs is very important for the Italian pensioners living in Victoria. But, once again, the life of these Clubs is mainly guaranteed by the commitment and the voluntary work carried on by those members who are part of the management committees. Without the dedication to work and the desire to act generously by such persons our community would lose an important opportunity to get together. This, undeniably, is particularly useful to keep alive the Italian identity and everything that goes with it. These values are also particularly appreciated by the Australian society at large. CO.AS.IT has closely followed the lives of these associations and, through the Coordinator of the Association, has sought to ensure continued assistance with their more 'diverse needs' and at the same time to carry out close monitoring of possible needs, new and old, emerging within the pensioners community. The opportunity given by the Annual General Meetings was, as usual, very useful to ensure that the Coordinator, in his capacity as moderator, would exercise his "nonpartisan" role in the interest of the Clubs. Of the initiatives which were accomplished jointly between the clubs, under the coordination of CO.AS.IT, two must be mentioned: firstly a group trip to Italy which took place in October 2011 and secondly the annual Bocce Tournament held on November Both events were great success. Annual Report 2012 page 18 Co.As.It.

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